Reopening my claim

If a previously accepted workplace injury becomes worse, you may be able to reopen your claim and qualify for additional workers' compensation benefits.

Once your claim closes, your accepted condition may worsen and require additional medical treatment or time away from work. This worsening is called an "aggravation."

Up to five years from the date your claim was first closed, your claim can be reopened by the insurance company based on a request from you and information on your worsened condition from a qualified attending physician. (Treatment after claim closure can be provided by an M.D., D.O., or D.D.S., or a member of your managed care organization.)

If your accepted condition worsens more than five years after the first closure date on a disabling claim or five years from the date of injury on a nondisabling claim, you may be entitled to additional benefits under a separate process called "Board's Own Motion."